Istabraq will bid to gain his revenge on Limestone Lad in Sunday's AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained gelding, twice a winner of the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, will be aiming for his third successive victory in this Grade One contest.
Istabraq fell to a shock five-and-a-half length defeat by Limestone Lad in the Duggan Brothers Hattons Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in November.
But he returned to winning form at Leopardstown last month and his trainer reports him in good form.
O'Brien told Talksport: "He's very well and I couldn't be happier with him at the moment. I'm looking forward to Sunday.
"He's very good and I'd say every bit as enthusiastic now as he was last year."
The James Bowe-trained Limestone Lad is one of six runners in the race.
Istabraq's stable companions Theatreworld and Yeoman's Point are set to line up, as are Dermot Weld's Stage Affair and Michael O'Brien's Knife Edge.
There is a star-studded supporting cast at Leopardstown with Florida Pearl bidding to redeem his reputation in the BAX Global Handicap Chase.
Willie Mullins' stable star, beaten by Rince Ri at odds of 4-7 in the Ericsson Chase at the course in December, has top weight of 12st in a field of four.
And Florida Pearl's highly-touted stablemate Alexander Banquet is one of six runners in the Grade Two Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup.
